When we think of resilience, courage, and creativity in the modern world, the name Soundarya Balasubramani shines brightly. An Indian-born author, entrepreneur, and public speaker, she has built a career that bridges education, technology, and advocacy while inspiring thousands of international students and immigrants in the United States. Her story is not just about success—it is about finding purpose, embracing risk, and empowering others to rise with her.
Early Life and Education of Soundarya Balasubramani: Seeds of Excellence
Born and raised in Chennai, India, Soundarya grew up in a middle-class family where education and curiosity were celebrated. Her academic brilliance emerged early, culminating in her graduation as a Gold Medalist in Chemical Engineering from NIT Trichy in 2017. But her journey did not stop there—she went on to pursue a Master’s degree at Columbia University, New York, where she received the Outstanding Student Service Award for her leadership and community-building contributions.
At Columbia, her love for writing blossomed as she began penning down articles simplifying complex concepts for fellow students. This marked the beginning of her journey as a storyteller—a thread that would weave through her career as an author and advocate.
Career Path: From Product Manager to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur
After completing her studies, Soundarya joined Salesforce in 2019 as a Product Manager, where she worked for two and a half years. Her corporate role honed her skills in collaboration, leadership, and productivity. However, deep down, she longed for something more—work that would directly touch lives and bring meaningful change.
In 2021, she took the bold leap of leaving her corporate career to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. She founded The Curious Maverick, LLC, a creative and publishing agency, and later Unshackled Club, a community dedicated to empowering immigrants in America. Her ability to build platforms, foster communities, and design impactful content has made her one of the most influential voices in immigrant advocacy.
Soundarya Balasubramani: Author of Three Transformative Books
Soundarya is a prolific writer with three major works under her name:
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Admitted – A guide for international students navigating admissions abroad.
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Unshackled – A bestselling book that provides clarity and hope for immigrants navigating U.S. immigration complexities.
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1000 Days of Love – Her upcoming novel that explores human connection and love in a deeply personal way.
Through her books, Soundarya blends personal storytelling with actionable advice, making complex systems accessible while inspiring readers to pursue their dreams.
Advocacy for Immigrants: Turning Pain Into Purpose
Her own struggles navigating the U.S. immigration system after college became the fuel for her advocacy. Determined to help others, she began writing extensively and later built Unshackled Club, which grew into the largest summit for tech immigrants in America. Her work has since reached people in over 20 countries, bridging policy, storytelling, and community.
Today, she is one of the few Indian-born professionals to secure both the O-1 visa (for individuals with extraordinary ability) and the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver). These accomplishments are more than personal milestones—they symbolize what is possible when determination meets vision.
Entrepreneur, Blogger, and Storyteller
Beyond her books, Soundarya Balasubramani has authored over 100 articles on her blog, curiousmaverick.com, attracting more than 250,000 readers worldwide. Her voice also resonates across YouTube (The Curious Maverick), LinkedIn, and Instagram (@thecuriousmaverick), where she shares daily stories that reach over 5 million people every month.
Her content is not just about professional growth—it is about living authentically, embracing risks, and finding beauty in human connection. She describes herself as a firm believer that “greatness lives in all of us” and that compassion, both inward and outward, is the foundation of true success.
Recognition and Impact
Soundarya’s achievements have been recognized globally. Some of her honors include:
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Emergent Ventures Fellowship for entrepreneurship.
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Cargill Global Scholarship and S.N. Bose Scholarship for academic excellence.
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Over 12 awards across education, leadership, and innovation.
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Recognition in media outlets such as NDTV, News18, and Global Indian.
Her ability to generate over $500,000 in revenue through community-driven initiatives shows her unmatched skill in building impact-driven businesses that sustain and grow.
Beyond the Titles: A Glimpse into Her Life
For all her accomplishments, Soundarya Balasubramani remains grounded and refreshingly human. She loves fusion partner dancing, singing with her guitar, living in solitude on farms, and engaging in deep conversations that spark reflection. She has even surfed without knowing how to swim—a risk-taking spirit that defines her approach to life.
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